POLSC 7 Statistical and Research Methods for Political Science

Units: 3
Prerequisites: MATH 92S Intermediate Algebra (STEM) with a grade of “C” or better, or qualifying placement.
Advisories: MATH 37 and POLSC 1 and the ability to read at the 12th grade level.
This course is designed to introduce students to the logic of research design and the use of qualitative and quantitative methods of political science and for investigating political issues. Throughout the course, students will learn to think like social scientists while developing various skills required by the discipline: how to choose which method to employ, how to undertake original research (complete with data collection and analysis), and how to present results scientifically. The ultimate goal is to enrich critical-thinking over the strengths and weaknesses of various methodologies, identify the methodological tools that are most appropriate for intended research, and apply these insights professionally while justifying the choice of why certain techniques fare better than others. (UC, CSU)